Vernon Company Faces Double Fines for Serious WorkSafe Violations: What You Need to Know

WorkSafeBC recently hit Welbec Properties in Vernon with two hefty fines totaling nearly $28,000 for serious asbestos-related violations during renovations.

Welbec, which manages a multi-unit commercial building, faced its first penalty of $9,270.23 for improperly handling asbestos-containing materials (ACM). They neglected to have a qualified professional conduct a proper risk assessment before beginning work. This lack of precaution put workers at risk and allowed asbestos dust to spread uncontrollably, particularly during the removal of vinyl floor tiles in a staircase.

Yesenia Dhott, a WorkSafeBC advisor, stated, "These are high-risk violations. A stop-work order was issued during the initial inspection on January 23."

When inspectors returned, they noticed a worker and two consultants entering the site without personal protective equipment. This individual was unqualified for asbestos abatement and violated the stop-work order by performing asbestos-related tasks. As a result, an additional fine of $18,540.46 was imposed.

Asbestos remains a critical concern in British Columbia; it’s the leading cause of workplace fatalities. In 2024 alone, exposure contributed to 37 deaths, making up about 25% of all work-related fatalities that year. Due to these alarming statistics, WorkSafeBC has mandated training and licensing for asbestos abatement to better protect workers.

Welbec Properties owns commercial sites, including the Service Canada building on 30th Avenue, and is also developing a mixed-use project at the former Vernon Legion site, which aims to include both commercial and affordable housing components. With stricter regulations and an emphasis on safety, the hope is to prevent future incidents like these while promoting safer working environments.

For more information, visit WorkSafeBC.

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